ABSTRACT
As a consequence of the reform policy by Deng Xiaoping in late 1970s, China’s international initiatives and activities, for the first time in the history, were framed on a big scale. By the early 2000s, China’s diplomatic offensive had begun. Being convinced that China’s economic status has been growing, decision-makers started to consider a more proactive role in international relations. The international environment seemed to be in favor of China’s diplomatic initiatives, particularly in 2003 and especially in the context of activities in resolving Korea’s nuclear problem. China’s active mediation in the North Korean nuclear crisis helped China raise its international profile. Along with active foreign policy, the authorities needed a rhetorical framework that would help to enhance China’s soft power. They thus articulated a set of principles in order to construct a peaceful environment that would be conducive to its interests. The official heping jueqi concept was proposed by Zheng Bijian in October 2003. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) General Secretary Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao used the new concept to refer to China’s global role and responsibilities in speeches in December 2003, suggesting that the new concept had become official foreign policy line. 1
